Bronny James' Lakers future is uncertain after a controversial cameo

Bronny James' feel-good moment with LeBron could be his last meaningful minutes for some time.

The orchestrated decision to have the father-son duo appear on the court together in a regular-season game resulted in three minutes of collective game action and upset some media outlets, who called it a “complete sideshow and disrespectful to the game.”

Bronny showed up in the first half and missed both shot attempts, giving the Lakers a five-point lead.

The 20-year-old was no longer used in the Lakers' 110:103 victory over the Timberwolves.

It's unlikely the second-round pick will be part of the Lakers' regular rotation going forward as the veteran team fights for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The younger James is considered a long-term investment after he had a mediocre season at USC that followed a cardiac arrest during a preseason practice.

“My days are no longer normal. I still feel like I'm coming back, I'm getting back to where I was,” Bronny told Men's Health before the season.

The question becomes what the Lakers think is best for Bronny's future now – with LeBron likely having a significant say in the matter.

Bronny, who had ups and downs during Summer League and the preseason, could play sparingly in postseason with the Lakers or see significant minutes in the G-League, which begins next month.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who has been covering LeBron since he played in high school, gave his insight into the Lakers' mindset Wednesday morning.

“As a father, you’re going to have some sense of your son being with you,” Windhorst said in “Get Up.”

“What the Lakers are doing here is getting the best out of LeBron. This is an investment, not just in the story, but in the motivation and drive of your franchise player at 39 years old. And I think it works. LeBron is completely committed and full of energy, and I think JJ Reddick is making a very smart move by fully committing to this, fully embracing this, preparing this and making it happen.

“It’s not going to define this season, I’m not even sure it’s going to define this week for the Lakers. But it will be so important for his franchise player.”

The Lakers host the Suns on Friday, looking for a 2-0 start to the season.